The Daily Digest: 10-2-07

Posted at 8:41 AM on October 2, 2007 by Tom Scheck (1 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

The costs surrounding the I-35W bridge could reach $400 million. MPR, AP, the Pi Press, WCCO, Forum Communications and the Star Tribune have stories.

Meanwhile, DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar says Gov. Pawlenty hasn't formally asked for federal funding. Pawlenty's spokesman says MnDOT is working with federal highway administrators daily. KSTP has the story.

MnDOT defends picking the high bidder in a protest letter. AP has the story.

The Star Tribune says donations are given out carefully to bridge victims.

KARE-11 says the collapse demolition crew hits a milestone.

The search for a poet laureate begins.

Pawlenty speaks at the Woodale Church in Eden Prairie today.

He is also expected to speak at a Pan African Trade Summit at the U of M on October 4th.

Verizon changes part of its policy in the wake of Attorney General Lori Swanson's lawsuit against Sprint.

Congress

The House Oversight Committee and Government Reform will hold a hearing on private security company Blackwater USA. DFL Rep. Betty McCollum sits on the committee (WSJ pdf subscription required).

The House votes to extend the military loan benefit. GOP Rep. John Kline is mentioned.

The USDA has questions over civil rights language in the Farm Bill. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.

The Farm Bill would also reduce meat inspections. Peterson pushed for the provision.

2008

A Star Tribune poll says New York Senator Hillary Clinton (a Democrat) and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (a Republican) are leading in a recent presidential poll. The surprising note is that Arizona Senator John McCain (a Republican) is doing well. Take note of the large sampling error (+/-9 percentage points for Republicans and +/-8 percentage points for Dems). Points to anyone who can find me a poll with a sampling error that large...

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) says the GOP is losing its lock on the core business vote.

El Tinklenberg, a DFLer, is running for Congress in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. MPR, the Star Tribune, AP, the Pi Press and the St. Cloud Times have stories.

CQ rates Minnesota's 3rd as "no clear favorite" and the 6th as "GOP favored." The 1st "leans Democratic."

Fox News says the GOP will face challenges defending open seats like Minnesota's 3rd, which is being vacated by GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad.

The conservative Club For Growth may get involved in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District.

Politico details the candidates in the 3rd

The Mayor of Edina may get into the race as well.

The Hill says Democrat Al Franken raised about $1.8 million in the third quarter.

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Comments (1)

I also heard in passing on MPR this morning more about how two of the losing (and lower) bidders on the new 35W bridge were still after MnDOT to release their scoring data. Given the huge cost overrun that had Gov. Pawlenty and MnDOT Commissioner Molnau going with their hat in hand to the legislature for additional funds, this is a story that I hope is followed up.

Posted by David W. | October 2, 2007 9:48 AM

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